the other press © Kelly Parry e kelly-parry@telus.net March 10, 2004 Pearls Launch 2004 Barbara K. Adamski OP Contributor Douglas College’s 23rd volume of selected students’ creative writing works was officially launched March 5, 2004 at the New Westminster Campus’s Douglas Room. This year’s edition of Pearls showcases the poetry and prose of over 40 Douglas College students. Several authors whose work appears in the 210-page volume read their contributions aloud. Douglas College Writer in Residence, Rhea Tregebov from Toronto, ON, also read selected poems from her 2001 book, The Strength of Materials. Creative writing student Brian Wilson received this year’s Maurice Hodgson Creative Writing Award, which was established in honour of the man who developed many of the creative writing courses offered at Douglas College. Kali Thurber received an honourable mention. This year’s edition of Pearls, as well as editions from previous years, is available for purchase at the Douglas College Bookstore. Lynn Paus OP Contributor The NW concourse was hopping last week as people took advantage of some great deals, yummy food, and good fun during Double Your Fun, Double The Fund Week. Booths selling happy face balloon bouquets, daffodils, pancake break- fasts, gently used clothes, books and much more, were all kept busy as the Douglas College community turned out in support of Double Your Fun Week. This 5-day fund- raising event is presented annually by the Douglas College Foundation and Alumni Association and pro- vides an opportunity for our college community to contribute to pro- gram support and student aid. Myrna Popove, _—_ Executive Director of the Douglas College Foundation says, “Your financial support makes education accessible for students. It’s hard for students to concentrate on school when they are oe worrying about making rent pay- ments. Your generosity can make a big difference at a pivotal time of their lives.” Funds raised during Double Your Fun Week also go to support pro- grams such as The Green Team, Peer Support, The Institute of Urban Ecology, Marketing Program bur- saries, and others. The Foundation matches every single dollar raised at this event (with the exception of money raised through the 50/50 draw). Last year, $5,000 was raised and this year they expect to exceed that total. One of the many groups on hand to participate in Double Your Fun Week was Douglas College's very own Event Magazine, the award- winning, contemporary Canadian literary journal which is published three times a year by Douglas College. In addition to being a pres- http://www.otherpress.ca tigious member of Canada’s literary and publishing communities, Event magazine provides valuable editing and publishing experience to its stu- dent editorial interns. As well, the magazine is used as a textbook for students of contemporary literature and writing. Event began holding its annual used book sale two years ago, to help raise funds for the spring 2002 retrospective issue, celebrating Event’ 30 years in print. Cathy Stonehouse, editor of Event Magazine, says “We were pleasantly surprised to find that college mem- bers were loaded with books they wanted to pass on, and that holding a sale was a great way to both earn money and increase Event’s visibility within the college.” Ms Stonehouse goes on to say, “Thanks to the won- derful support of Myrna Popove and the Douglas College Foundation, every dollar raised by the book sale is matched by the Foundation.” According to Ms Stonehouse, the money raised by the book sale goes towards meeting the expenses of running a literary journal, including printing costs, publicity, and paying the writers and editors. Despite increasing costs, Events overall budget has shrunk considerably over the last few years as a result of col- lege cutbacks and reductions in provincial arts funding. In order to continue publishing, Event, like many literary journals, is now seek- ing ways to increase its funding base and attract donors and sponsors; the humble annual book sale during Double Your Fun Week has proved a valuable place to begin. Double Your Fun, Double The Fund Week is all about supporting college students and college pro- grams and judging by the laughter and activity in the concourse last Photos by Lynn Paus week—it appears that a good time was had by all who turned out to do just that! ¢ Event Magazine—The Douglas College Review ¢ The Green Team—promotes cam- pus environmental responsibility. ¢ The Institute of Urban Ecology— making nature an important part of improving our quality of life and the health of the greater natural ecosystems in our Cities. ¢ Peer Support Services—providing caring, friendly and confidential personal support to students by stu- dents.